Locker Room: Ghost & Spade

Aryan sat in the dimly lit locker room, his knuckles resting against his forehead. The echoes of the crowd’s cheers still lingered, but they weren’t for him. They were for Iron Jaw—the fighter who had crushed him mercilessly. His entire body ached, but what hurt more was the realization that he had been outclassed.

A familiar voice broke the silence. Rohan.

“So, how does it feel to get destroyed?”

Aryan scowled but didn’t respond. He knew Rohan wasn’t here to sympathize. That wasn’t his style.

“Shut up, Rohan. I don’t need your lectures right now.”

Rohan smirked, leaning against the wall. His expression wasn’t mocking—it was analytical. Studying Aryan like he would an opponent.

“That was reality hitting you, Aryan. You relied too much on instinct, and against someone like Iron Jaw, that wasn’t enough.”

Aryan’s fingers curled into a fist. He wanted to argue, to justify his failure, but deep down, he knew Rohan was right.

“You fought like a warrior, but this isn’t just about fighting. It’s about understanding the battlefield. You had no strategy, no patience. You thought strength alone would carry you through.”

Aryan’s breathing was heavy, frustration boiling beneath his skin.

“How you react to this loss will determine if you’ll ever truly win.”

Rohan stood up straight, adjusting the mask on his face.

“Watch my next fight. You’ll see the difference between a fighter and a warrior.”

And with that, he left, leaving Aryan alone with his thoughts.

Match 2: Luca The Phantom vs. Reaper X

The arena was silent as Luca The Phantom and Reaper X stepped into the ring. This was a match between two predators—one relying on speed and deception, the other on precision and control.

The host’s voice boomed across the battlefield.

“FIGHT!”

Luca disappeared. Or at least, it seemed that way. His movements were unpredictable, weaving in and out of visibility, using feints and misdirection.

Reaper X, however, didn’t flinch. He stood still, observing. His piercing eyes followed Luca’s movement, studying his rhythm.

Luca struck first—a blur of motion as his fist aimed for Reaper X’s ribs. But just before contact, Reaper X twisted his body slightly, the attack grazing past him.

“Tsk. He read me.”

Luca backflipped away before Reaper X could counter. He adjusted his stance, his mind racing. He needed to create an opening.

The Dance of Shadows

Luca darted forward again, this time throwing a series of rapid strikes—jab, low kick, elbow.

Reaper X dodged, barely moving more than necessary. Every evasion was precise, every counter-strike measured. He wasn’t fighting Luca. He was analyzing him.

Luca suddenly faked a high punch and spun low, aiming for a sweep.

A mistake.

Reaper X anticipated it and slammed his knee into Luca’s chest mid-spin.

“Ghkk—!”

Luca crashed onto the floor but quickly rolled away before Reaper X could capitalize.

The crowd gasped. Luca was fast, but Reaper X was patient.

The Turning Point

Luca smirked. He needed to go all in.

He began moving faster, his footwork becoming erratic. His afterimages flickered in and out, confusing even the keenest eyes.

Reaper X remained still. He didn’t chase. He waited.

Luca lunged at blinding speed, aiming a spinning backfist.

And then—it happened.

Reaper X sidestepped.

He had seen through everything.

Luca’s eyes widened in shock as Reaper X delivered a brutal knee strike straight to his face.

A sickening crunch echoed through the arena.

Luca collapsed, unconscious before he even hit the ground.

The crowd erupted in cheers. The Phantom had been caught.

Reaper X stood over him, looking down emotionlessly. It was over.

“Winner: Reaper X!”

The fight was done. The message was clear.

Speed and deception are deadly—but nothing beats absolute control.

What’s Next?

Aryan watched from the sidelines, still sore from his loss. He clenched his fists as he saw Reaper X’s calm, calculated fighting style. That was the kind of control he needed.

Rohan’s fight was up next. Would he prove his point? Would he show Aryan what true strategy looked like?

One thing was certain—the underground arena was only getting more brutal.

The next battle awaited.